American Crossword Puzzle Tournament Returns To Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — The 46th American Crossword Puzzle Tournament is returning to Stamford this weekend.

Hundreds of word-game enthusiasts from around the globe will convene for three days at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa from April 5 through April 7.

The event, which is billed as the world's largest crossword puzzle tournament, will be hosted by tournament director Will Shortz, who is also the crossword puzzle editor for The New York Times.

"Over 750 registered participants, ages 16 to 96, are registered in the solo competition and this year’s tournament enjoys the most foreign participation we've ever had, with solvers from Australia, Canada, France, Germany and England," said Shortz, a former Stamford resident who founded the event when he was just 25. "This annual event is a wonderful way for crossword lovers to test themselves and celebrate their passion, while making and reuniting with friends with similar interests."

Registration for the solo tournament is full for the second year in a row.

A total of more than $15,000 in prizes will be awarded in over 23 categories of skill, age, geographical region, rookie status, and pairs, including a $7,500 grand prize.

A total of $10,000 in prizes will be awarded to the top solvers in the five age divisions (junior, fifties, sixties, seventies, seniors), with the majority of that prize money donated by Games World of Puzzles.

"This year’s tournament features its first-ever live pairs tournament, with 35 pairs competing," added Shortz. "They will be solving their puzzles in a separate ballroom from our solo competitors and be judged on accuracy and speed. Prizes will be awarded for the top three teams."

There also will be a virtual tournament concurrent with the live tournament that will be live streamed from the Marriott at at this link, beginning with the Friday games event, and then throughout the tournament on Saturday and Sunday.

Solvers can get more information about the virtual tournament and register here.

How The Tournament Works

Eight crosswords, created especially for the 2024 event by leading puzzlemakers, will be presented over the course of the weekend. Each has a time limit of 15 to 45 minutes. Contestants earn points for accuracy and speed.

On Sunday, April 2at 12 p.m., the top three contestants will play-off on a final puzzle while standing at giant boards for spectators and other contestants to watch.

The American Crossword Puzzle Tournament is sponsored again this year by Games World of Puzzles.

"Stamford is excited to again host this exciting event that brings visitors, vitality, and dollars into our city and nearby towns," said Tom Civitano, director of sales and marketing for the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa, in a news release. "All of our overnight rooms are booked into Sunday, and we have been directing additional business to other nearby hotels. The Stamford Marriott has a special affinity for this event, since its first tournament was held here in 1978 with 149 contestants."

Based upon the tournament’s projection of 1,000 attendees, including the more than 750 contestants, 75 officials, plus families, guests and spectators, Robert Murdock, president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau, reports that the three-day event is estimated to result in more than $896,000 in revenue for the Stamford area as visitors stay in hotels, dine in local restaurants, shop, and enjoy nearby attractions.

The event is projected to generate over $54,000 in taxes for the state, and will support more than 325 hospitality industry jobs, according to a news release on the event.

For this weekend's full schedule, click here.